Wil Haygood, author and associate producer of the blockbuster film, The Butler, will present at BASIS Independent McLean on Fri., Mar. 10 from 6:30 pm to 8 p.m., to talk about writing and how his work launched him onto the world stage. The event is free and open to public, located at 8000 Jones Branch Drive in McLean, Va. Haygood will also be available for a book signing, as his two books will be available for sale; The Butler and his latest book, Showdown, which chronicles the battle of the Supreme Court nomination of Thurgood Marshall. For more information on the event, go to http://basisindependent.com/Haygood.

“We’re honored to host Mr. Haygood, whose story is not only inspirational, but also brings a wealth of knowledge to our own budding writers at our school,” said Sean Aiken, head of school of BASIS Independent McLean of McLean, Va. “We welcome the public to join us for this wonderful opportunity to get a first-hand glimpse of the making of an acclaimed movie,” said Aiken.

Haygood will discuss how he went from a housing project in Ohio to becoming the author and subsequent associate producer of an international, blockbuster motion picture based on his book “The Butler.” The award-winning film directed by Lee Daniels, launched Haygood onto the world stage. He’ll also discuss what it was like to work with seven Oscar winners and some of the most decorated actors in the world, as well as describe how his work with the Washington Post and President Obama led to the amazing discovery of Eugene Allan, a White House butler who served eight presidential administrations. Haygood will also discuss his writing technique as he shares what inspires him to write books on historical figures.

ABOUT BASIS INDEPENDENT MCLEAN, VA: BASIS was founded in 1998 by Dr. Michael and Olga Block, world-class economists and academics, who developed a formula for success for every child by offering a rigorous, globally competitive liberal arts and science curriculum taught by passionate subject-expert teachers and supported by a culture of excellence. What began as a single campus in Tucson, Ariz. has grown to become a unique, high-achieving, network of schools with three independent, private schools in Brooklyn, N.Y., Silicon Valley and Fremont in Calif., and now in McLean, Va., with an international school in Shenzhen, China, and 16 public charter schools across the United States. Today, BASIS.ed students have propelled their schools to become the top ranked in the nation. BASIS Independent McLean is located at 8000 Jones Branch Drive in McLean, Va. Visit them at http://mclean.basisindependent.com, Facebook, Twitter @BASISIndMcLean or YouTube channel, BASIS Independent Schools.